While there was some talk at CES 2015 about Shazam teasing a new feature that would let listeners get location-based music recommendations through beacon technology, the company has officially announced that this will become reality.
In a partnership with Gimbal, Shazam's mobile app will now use a Gimbal software development kit, which is powered by beacon technology. Beacons will be able to locate the user's whereabouts and give context-based recommendations in regard to where and when a Shazam user is in a particular place. Rather than being solely search-based, this allows Shazam to connect with consumers in a new way, delivering more personalized content straight to individuals. Some potential examples of this application at work include the use of beacons with movie posters, so that people passing by are prompted to watch the trailer, or set a DJ up with a beacon that allows audience members to use Shazam to receive exclusive content.
Location-Based Music Suggestions
Shazam Will Now Make Music Recommendations Based on Where You Are
Trend Themes
1. Location-based Music Recommendations - Shazam's use of beacon technology for location-based music recommendations opens up opportunities for personalized content delivery.
2. Context-based Recommendations - Beacon technology enables Shazam to provide context-based recommendations, delivering more personalized content to users in real-time.
3. Search-based to Context-based Recommendations - Shazam's shift towards context-based recommendations marks a disruptive innovation in the transition from search-based to context-based content delivery.
Industry Implications
1. Music Streaming - Shazam's use of beacon technology for location-based music recommendations demonstrates a potential innovation opportunity within the music streaming industry.
2. Retail - Shazam's partnership with Gimbal to provide location-based recommendations via beacon technology presents potential innovation opportunities for the retail industry.
3. Event Marketing - Shazam's use of beacon technology to deliver context-based recommendations at events provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for event marketing.